Chelsea may have to see off competition from three other Premier League clubs to sign one defender this summer.
There have been a lot of changes in Chelsea‘s defence recently.
For example, Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto were both integrated into Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad last summer.
The club also brought in Axel Disasi from AS Monaco and the Frenchman has quickly become a key player for Chelsea, making 37 appearances in all competitions.
However, it looks like they could add to their backline again, while there may also be a departure or two. It has been claimed that the Blues have already offered Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.
Chelsea really like Serie A right-back
While Chelsea have Gusto and Reece James in their ranks, they could yet bring in another right-back.
That may not be a straightforward task, though, with other Premier League clubs said to be circling around one name that they have on their radar.
Chelsea really like Torino’s Raoul Bellanova, according to InterLive, while it has been claimed elsewhere that they have already enquired about signing him.
However, InterLive’s report states that Manchester United, Aston Villa and West Ham United have already started to make their move for the 23-year-old, who could cost €30m (£25.6m).
Bellanova has impressed for Torino this season, managing to rack up five assists in the 28 Serie A games he has played.
Raoul Bellanova should excite Chelsea fans
Bellanova is a name not too many Chelsea fans are probably familiar with. And the truth is, the Pochettino may not actually need him.
However, if there are serious concerns about James’ fitness and Chelsea feel that they do need to sign another right-back, Bellanova could be ideal.
As per FBref, the Italian has ranked in the 95th percentile for progressive carries and the 88th for successful take-ons among full-backs over the last year. Bellanova is someone who can get forward and cause his opposing full-back or wing-back a problem.
